Dental Implants
A permanent replacement for missing teeth
Today's dental technology has now made it possible to replace one or more teeth at the same time that they are removed. This is done by inserting an implant, made from titanium, into the empty extraction socket.
This technique has many advantages for you, the patient:
- Your jaw bone and gum tissue are preserved minimising the effect that loss of a tooth has on the appearance of your smile and facial profile.
- The number of visits required for the treatment is reduced as the tooth is removed and the implant placed on the same visit.
- The length of time you have to wait for your new implant tooth is reduced.
Before the new tooth can be attached to the immediate implant it is necessary to leave it undisturbed for several months while the bone attached to its surface. During this period a small temporary denture or bridge may be worn to fill the gap.
The cosmetic advantages of implants
Facial appearance, health and the correct functioning of your mouth are important reasons for replacing missing teeth. The loss of back teeth may cause your mouth to sink and face to look prematurely older. Speech may be affected since the front teeth help to form certain sounds. These changes occur as a result of bone loss from the jaws, a process that continues throughout life. After teeth are removed the jawbone thatwas associated with the roots of the missing tooth dissolves away. Inserting dental implants that become attached to the bone return natural function that helps prevent this process.
How many implants will you need?
If on tooth is to be extracted then it can be replaced by a single implant. If a number of teeth are to be lost, more implants will be required. It is not always necessary to match the exact number of teeth being extracted, for example, it may be possible to fit three teeth on two implants. Eight implants are often all that are required to replace a full arch of teech.
How are the teeth made?
Once implant bone attachment has been checked and confirmed, the new teeth can be made. They are made from tooth coloursed porcelain producing a natural appearance, which is almost impossible to spot against natural teeth. A titanium post is connected to the implant and held in place with a small screw. The finished tooth is then glued onto the post with special type of dental cement.
What happens after implants have been placed?
We allow six months for the bone to fuse around the implant and become solid in the jaw-bone. After 6 months the Dental Surgeon begins to build the new crowns, bridges or dentures on the implants.
What your treatment involves
To avoid damaging the bone and gum the tooth is removed very gently, which minimises the amout of after pain. SUrprisingly the discomfort experienced is often no worse that that felt following a normal tooth extraction. There is no need for stronger injections during the procedureas the same local anaesthetic used to numb the tooth for extraction is often sufficient.
If you have any queries or require further information please do not hesitate to contact Croydon House Dental Implant Centre or your referring dentist.